I'm coming home tomorrow!!! It's 1am and I'm pulling an all-nighter to get on CA and also to be able to sleep (hopefully) on my long flight home.
Haven't written too much lately, as I've just been living my Swedish life and trying to soak it all in while I could. I had plans to go to Ireland and England, but things changed...tell you later. England customs are very strict and were suspicious of me for some reason. Bummer. :(
Can't believe the time to come home is here already. I'm soooo ready to come home yes, but sooo sad to leave. Had to say goodbye to Charlie and Elias tonight, and that was rough. I fell in love with this family, especially them. Looking forward to being with "my people" as my mom says and just being home. There's no place like home!! Thank you all for following my adventure while living here in Sweden. It really was an amazing year, and I enjoyed every minute. I have been changed for good, and have a whole new spin on life...as a Swede American! The Holms were the perfect family and situation for me, and just can't wait to restart my life again back home. I have been blessed! Going to be a great Holiday this year!
I did it, I made it to Paris! When I failed to go up the Eiffel Tower 8 years ago in highschool, I thought, I'll be back....so I made it happen and I just had the best time! I met up and stayed with my friend Marie who is living there, right in the city. She and I hadn't seen each other in 5 years, so it was amazing and just great to be with her and catch up.
I arrived on a Wednesday, Sept. 30th, and followed all my directions from Marie and my research and had no problems finding my way to downtown where she worked. Marie happens to work very close to Notre Dame Cathedral. I remembered this church very well from before, but I just LOVE old churches and it was just as beautiful as ever. After a small bite and of course a glass of wine (I was on vacation), I met up with Marie in a Starbucks! Didn't have a drink there, when I'm here, I want European things. That night, we met up with a few of her girlfriends for a few drinks and dinner. I was just loving the fact that I was with a local, seeing what they do, and didn't have to go find and sleep in a hostel.
Thursday and Friday, Marie had to go into work...so I was free to explore the city on my own, with her recommendations and direction. First, I went to the Arch de Triump, then walked down the very loooong street of Champs Ellysees, which basically ended at the Lourve and great shopping areas. I chose not to go into the Louve, as I did it last time, and I thought this time...my money and time should be spent on shopping, and enjoying Paris. Friday, I went to a beautiful Church called Sacred Heart Basilica, which had an amazing view of the city. Cute cute cute little area, where everyone wanted to draw your picture. Um, no thank you. From there, I had to go see the Moulin Rouge! Marie said it was a pretty trashy and scandulous part of the city, but I had to just go see for myself since the name is huge and that area. She was right, a whole street of x-rated stores, but nothing to be scared of...thought it was funny! Did some more walking, and found the metro to go to the Pantheon Museaum. Here, there is the world's largest pendulum, which proves the theory of our spinning earth in relative to the sun and universe. Pretty cool, but was basically in and out in 20 minutes.
Friday night, Marie and I hosted a party in her ONE BEDROOM flat! Yes, one small little room, we had about 10 people over, and everyone brought 1-2 bottles of wine. We made some pasta, and just enjoyed socializing. Everyone basically spoke english and were very nice! Around midnight, I asked if we were going to actually go out...they said, "Oh ya, you Americans go out early like at 9 or 10 huh...lol." I was fine with it though, of course I was fine, I was in Paris! 2 trains later, and a little walk, we were at this really big, new club...and we were VIP! Yes, we had connections, and passed the cover and the line, it was great. Totally crazy, but full of life and dancing. I was just LOVING it, I rocked out!
Saturday, we were a bit tired from getting home at 5am......but that didn't stop us from moving on cause we were going to see the Eiffel Tower!!! Marie hadn't been since she was 10 years old. Funny how when you live somewhere so famous, you tend to overlook what the world is coming to see. We picked a great day to go, even though it was busy, it was great weather! We took some silly pictures, since I was the "tourist", then we stopped at each level (3). At the top, I was definitely "higher!" Great views of Paris, and that's when it really hit me that I had made it back to do this! I was in great company, and just enjoying that priceless moment. Life was good!
That night, Marie and I went and had a nice dinner in her neighborhood. I had a very early flight Sunday back to Sweden...basically I left her house at 6am, and got into my house around 6:30pm. That's how it is here, between all the trains, buses, planes, and more trains. I really had an absolutely amazing time, and it was just what I needed! Thanks to Marie for hosting, and to Paris...I fell in LOVE! It definitely held its reputation for great shopping and beauty. Enjoy the pics! I have much much more if anyone is interested!
Only about 2 months left in Sweden!! Still figuring out my next move, but am working on it!
Sorry it's been a while since I've posted, but was trying to enjoy my last sunny days in Sweden! After my mom, aunts and sister left, I've just been chilling with my family here and seeing more of this country. Immediately after the ladies left, I met up with the Holms in southern Sweden in Malmo, and we stayed a for a long weekend at Susanne's father's house. One day, we traveled to Bornholm, as large island off the southern coast...it's actually a Danish land, but has a lot of Swedish and German influence since it's surrounded. This was a very cute little island! Then, the first week in August, the whole family took a huge trip to Gotland, home of Pippy Longstocking! It's the even bigger island off the east coast of Sweden, and it really has a huge reputation for Sweden...being very authentic and personal to the Swedes. Lots of sheep, shopping, specialized jam (which I've shared with some), and lots of history. It was a great week in the sun, and learning about more Swedish herritage.
So, it's mid-September already, can you believe it!? I am coming home in about 3 months, just in time for Christmas. I can't wait to see everyone and return home, but I don't even want to think about how hard it's going to be to say goodbye to my family and life here. It's been way more and better than I could have ever imagined! Elias is even saying my name now, Naaaanie (like Janie with an N). I love my boys! Going to Paris to visit an old friend Marie, the first weekend in Oct, can't wait! Paris!! Might try to sqeeze one more trip in before I leave, but we'll see. As always, just loving every minute here and thinking of everyone at home often. Hope you are all enjoying Monday Night Football, and the beautiful beginning of Fall! More to come!
Also wanted to mention, in memory of a special friend today...Life is special, celebrate it!
We finally made it to the original Solvang...Denmark!! I was so excited, as we all were, to see the comparisons of Copenhagen to Solvang and see how we measure up. It was absolutely beautiful, and everything and more than I'd expected! Our very nice hotel, was centrally located in Old Town Copenhagen, and very close to it all. What did we do first, of course we dropped our bags, and went shopping and toured the streets! These guys on bikes were behind us at a crosswalk drinking beers, and my sister asked, '' is it really legal to drink in the streets here?!" Their response, "oh ya, we're a liberal country, anything goes. It's a GREAT country!" 1 minute later, he called to us, and gave Katie an extra beer! The Golden Lady! Sweet....this was going to be fun. A little further down the street, we bought beers at a 7Eleven just because we can!
Denmark is awesome! We found how to ride the bus to take us to the Carlsberg Museum. That was great! We enjoyed a nice lunch there, and of course some great beer. Took some pictures, and shopped at the souvenier shop, etc. Great to be in a brewery again, had been a while. We made our way back to downtown.
We also enjoyed a boat cruise around the harbor, which was great! Gave us information about the city, and we even floated by the Little Mermaid! Not as grand as we thought it'd be, but still something special. Strange seeing it in person! The part where we got on and off the boats, was beautiful, and it really looked like Solvang. Great pics there! We also took a Hop on and off Bus tour, which was very cool. This took us to the palace, Mermaid, etc.
Denmark impressed me completely! I really hope to return soon! One night, just Katie and I went out to a few bars, and it was just what I needed. A night of normalcy with my best friend and sister. We looked hot, and went out to meet the Danish boys! Met a few right away and it was a great night. We noticed a guy wearing an LA Dodgers hat, and we judeged if he was really from CA or faking it. Well, he didn't have skinny jeans on, so maybe...but then we thought no. We asked him, and he said, "WEST siIIIde!" Nah, I'm from Denmark, lol. Nice guy, but wannabe :) My sister and I agreed, Sweden had better looking girls, and Denmark had better looking guys! Maybe I will go back :P
Unfortunately, the trip ended for me in Copenhagen. They went on to Switzerland for a few days, but I rejoined up with the Holms in Smaland (southern Sweden), which was another little vacation in its own. We had a brief goodbye at the airport due to time, but actually it was probably better than the tearful goodbye which very well would have happened. I couldn't have asked for a better trip with my mom, sister and aunts. It really was a trip of a lifetime that we will all be greatful for for the rest of our lives! I admire these women so much, and it really meant the world to me that they came all that way to see me and spend time with me. As you all know, I LOVE it here and it's everything I've hoped for and more. It was nice to be reminded just what I do have at home and how blessed I am with such an amazing family. It went by way too fast, but the best parts were just when we were hanging out with each other. We seriously laughed the WHOLE time, and just lived in the moment. We sadly did not connect with our cousin Gunnel, but things happen. So a BIG thank you to Karen, Emily, Katie and Mom for coming to Europe to be with me! I love you, and can't wait to see EVERYONE in a few months! It's all downhill from here, and I'm excited to see what fate brings next for me...
Back on the train, we were headed to the west coast to Gothenberg. I chose to take them to this city, because it's known for it's seafood. Absolutely amazing! Think I was the biggest fan, but still fun to see and eat! It was kind of raining this day, but it was okay. Lasse said that we must go to the Feskekorka, which is the best seafood market in Sweden supposedly. After leading the ladies on quite a walk to find it, we showed up hungry. We had a great lunch, and they tried crawfish for the first time. Katie had crab, and Karen had shrimp. I had oysters (mmmm), and mussles. Following lunch, we went back to the market where I ordered a ton of shrimp, and crawfish...my favorites! Assuming they would all help me eat, I got a lot. Unfortunately, but forunately, I had most of it! We enjoyed a cocktail on the 23rd floor of a hotel and a view of the city. Gothenberg is the second largest city in Sweden, and it was very nice. Probably not our favorite stop, but for me it was worth every bite! The next day, we headed to Denmark!!!
Tuesday morning, our first offical day in Kumla, we walked around the city center of Kumla shortly for about an hour. We enjoyed the bakery, a few boutiques, flower shops, etc. Then eventually we made it over to the Holm's house to catch a bus to Orebro, the nearby larger town. I showed them briefly my bedroom, and what's become my home here. Finally, my mom sees where I put my head down :) We waited a bit for the bus (always unsure of the times), but eventually made it to Orebro. We had plans to go see the Orebro Castle, which I had never been to either. This castle was built in the 16th century, and was very beautiful! We took a tour, and learned about the history of Kings and castles and that time period. In this castle, I think we laughed the hardest on the trip. There was a question asked by our tour guide, and Katie answered with "Prostitues!" That was not the answer, lol. Ask any of us for further details if you want, it was hilarious. We left the castle and toured around Orebro. We didn't have that much time for this town, as we needed to figure out the bus back to Kumla, and dinner, etc. We enjoyed a nice cocktail right on the river, before we made it back to the bus stop. It was a great day!
Wednesday, we toured Kumla. By now, you know it's a very small town, but very fun for the type of shopping my mom and aunts like to do. Little bakerys, boutiques, garden shops, etc. I had passed back these shops a few time, but we enjoyed each one and even made some new friends in the stores. Think we kinda stuck out, as 5 loud blondes speaking english and store hopping. It was a fun afternoon of casual shopping, and not having to rush or get lost. For dinner, we headed back to the Holms (about 30 min. walking), and Lasse and Susanne had prepared a huge dinner for our family and theirs. Lasse's parents, sister Sara and her family, and my family all together, it was a party! It was natural, easy, and just exciting to see my two families really getting to know each other. Thankfully, the weather held out so it was a long night of stories and more laughing. Lasse's father Frank was generous enough to walk us back to the hotel :) To this day, my Swedish family is constantly complementing how awesome my family is and how much fun we had. I agree. Lasse's sister said, "no wonder you are the way you are!" Yes, I am blessed with so many amazig women in my life to look after!
The next day, unfortunately it was raining. We were supposed to spend the day up at Torpet, Lasse's cabin. Instead, he was so generous enough to give us a personal driving (dry) tour of Kumla and Orebro. He grew up here and obviously has so much pride in showing the best. He took us to Old Orebro, where we did a little more shopping and toured a small museam. He then took us to this small mountain top, about 10 minutes driving up, but you can see all of Kumla. Too bad it was raining, but it was still cool. He then took us all back to the house, where he prepared pickled herring and pototes. He of course, didn't forget to serve us Schnaps either, Skol! After lunch, we all went up to the cabin and toured the property. Like I've talked about before, this cabin is very old, but very well maintained by Lasse and his father. They spent months cleaning and preparing the for the Irelans, so nice! Lasse then prepared dinner for us, which was a mouse and deer stew and potatoes. It was his goal to provide this day as Swedish as possible. It was easy to see how much fun and pleasure he had to do this for us. Like I said, it was all just so easy and fun to all be together. We had a nice evening at the cabin, and everyone loved the property, especially the double outhouse! We always went in pairs...
The next morning, Lasse drove us all to Hallsberg to board a train to Gothenberg on the west coast. We couldn't thank Lasse and Susanne enough for this whole week with them, everything they provided. We really got the personal treatment, and we can all say we're family enough. Lasse said goodbye, and see you in CA!
Wow, what an amazing time! Months and months of preparation for my mom, aunts Karen and Emily, and my sister to come to Europe. My dad asked us, "what are you guys going to talk about once the trip is over?"...since that's all we talked about. I said, we'll be talking about this trip for the rest of our lives, play by play!!
The whole week before, the anticipation of seeing them was killing me! It was all I could think about, and how I've really missed my family! Lasse and I arrived at the airport to greet them. The poor guy had to wait with me, as I could hardly sit still, or stop talking. I wore a Sweden shirt, and my heart was racing as I couldn't wait to see these fabulous 4 women come around the corner of the gate. My mom was first, of course! I lost it!! No words could even come out, just hugs and happy tears as I hugged them all. My sister said, "thanks for making us all cry!" I was on top of the world! I told Lasse before, you will just know when they come out, trust me. We were all together in Sweden, finally! Lasse drove us back to the city center of Stockholm, where we checked into our very nice hotel, and also where we greeted Susanne and the boys. I was so excited to have my two families meet! The Holms then graciously showed gave us a personal tour of Stockholm, and guided us where to shop, what restaurants were good, etc. They only stayed in Stockholm for that Sat. night, but we were just getting started!
Since it stays dark until late, we walked around the area surrounding our hotel and also ate there for dinner. It had been a long day. Sunday, was the day to see and experience Stockholm! First, we made our way to see the Vasa Museum. The Vasa was a ship that sank right there in the harbor in the 1500's. It took years to build, but only stayed afloat for 20 minutes. All that work for nothing! The king was so embarrassed, no one was to talk about it. It was finally pulled up in the 1960's, and man, it was cool! History, such history! We spent most of the day, just walking around the city, which was actually pretty easy and close. A lot of water, but the scenery is amazing. This was only my second time to Stockholm, so I was the tourist too sort of. Then, the main even of the day...the Absolute Ice Bar! Okay, we laughed the ENTIRE time! No joke. As you can see from the pic, we wore these cape-like jackets to keep warm, since everything is frozen! My mom had her backpack on, so she looked like a hunchback lady, hilarious! Our drinks were served in Ice shot glasses even. Very cool. There was techno music on, and my aunt Emily says, "Oh I think the CD is skipping!!!" LOL, I laughed so hard and told Katie. I explained that type of music, come on Aunti Em! We got some great pics, and really just laughed a lot and loved the time in the frozen bar!
Monday, was the day of shopping and enjoying the new foods and fashion trends of Sweden. We caught a train back to Kumla that evening at 7pm. Seems late, but again, the sun basically stays up until 11pm. After the 2 1/2 hour train ride, with basically only ourselves on our train, we arrived in my small little town of Kumla. I told them how close we were to the hotel, and the city, and they were still surprised. Smaller than Solvang! The only place open, was this place I'd never been but it was a fast food type place that served hamburgers, and hot dogs. Katie, Emily, and Mom ordered these disgusting burrito like wraps with mashed potatoes, a hot dog, mustard, and lettuce. Ewww! They actually ate most of it too, but not sure how they felt the next day. Karen and I stuck to a chicken sandwich, which was not that great either. We had to eat!
The weather is finally just beautiful now! It was in the mid 80's this weekend, and supposed to stay warm hopefully for the next few weeks. Rain is always a possibility, but the Holm's think the summer is already looking good, which is a good sign for the rest of July and August. Here are some pictures from this past weekend with the family at the pool. Feels like CA weather, I'm loving it! I'm so excited right now, I can hardly breathe! My mom, sister Katie, and aunts Karen and Emily arrive in Sweden this Saturday, July 4th. Funny they are coming on America's bday, awesome. Not sure if I want to welcome them with red, white and blue, or my new countries blue and yellow? It is the perfect time to see family, especially these women. After they leave, I'll will be at my half way point for my time here in Sweden already. Crazy huh! As you all know, I'm absolutely loving this whole experience here! BUT, I am in need of some family and friends love, so as you can imagine, I will be beaming with excitment this whole week! Sure there will be many, many stories and memories coming out of that trip. Tomorrow, I am going to Gothenberg with the family for two nights. This is the second largest city in Sweden, and it's on the west coast. I am also taking my family there for a night, when they are here. It is really known for it's seafood, yummo! So, lots to come and be thankful for. Summer is here, shining, and I'm loving every minute of it! Miss you all so much!
Midsummer is the biggest holiday next to Christmas. It's a day where the Swedes celebrate the great weather of summer. It's basically their 4th of July. This trip was even more special than last time, I met the whole family! The weather was absolutely beautiful for this long weekend in the country with my new found relatives. Like Gunnel and Agnes, everyone was so nice and welcoming and very interested in who I was and that I've come all this way from CA. Friday the 19th, we all met at Gunnel's, and the party began around noon. Everyone came from all over Sweden, about 25 people, and we ate a lot, drank a lot, and got to know each other. Yes, we drank a lot! Well, not me too much...lightweight these days. Gunnel's nephew Calei (spelling wrong probably), is a chef and prepared everything with lots of fish, potatoes, sauces, meats, etc. I got his email address so we can exchange recipes. I met more relatives that remember Grandma Mary, and had stories to share, very nice. Everyone had shot glasses filled with Vodka through the whole meal pretty much. It was as if they were coffee cups and they just kept topping you off. Nothing too crazy, but pretty funny. Found more information about the family, made some Facebook buddies, received email addresses, and basically all the contact information from everyone here. Too cool! I was thinking, I hope these cousins remember me in 30 years (like they did Grandma), and tell stories about my visit. If you want more pictures of the family, and this trip, let me know and I'd be happy to send them! Btw, the picture of me in front of the red house, is with Gunnel's brother and his family who still live in Emma's previous house before she moved to America! (My g-gma)
